Charcoal vs Gas Grill? Why Choose a Charcoal BBQ Grill?

Charcoal or a gas grill?

Why do we use a charcoal grill in My BBQ Table?

What are the main pros and cons of charcoal vs gas grill? First of all, for us it’s the taste. It’s the number one reason for us to use a charcoal grill, not a gas grill. We simply love the taste of freshly cooked barbecue, that smoky accent it gives to everything you cook over the charcoal. We aren’t the only ones, as it looks — otherwise you wouldn’t see so many articles on “how to get charcoal flavor on a gas grill” on the internet.

Learn more about the other reasons below.

Charcoal vs Gas Grill

Which is better — gas or charcoal grill?

While it’s mostly up to your personal preference, here we’ve listed some of the things we love about charcoal barbecue grilling and grills. Things that you may find helpful when thinking of upgrading or buying a new barbecue grill for your house. Or maybe when looking for a gift for your BBQ lover friends.

5 Reasons to Choose a Charcoal Grill

1. It Tastes Better

You simply can’t get the same taste with gas.

If you’re after that smoky flavour and an unparalleled crust, choose charcoal or wood. You can get the char marks, but there won’t be any special flavour when grilling with a gas grill or electric grill, no matter the brand or price. It just won’t be the same thing.

2. Charcoal Burns Hotter Than Gas

An important factor if you’re after the perfect sear.

If you’re a meat lover, you’ll notice the difference right away. This is also one of the reasons why food tastes so much different when cooked on 

If you’re a meat lover, you’ll notice the difference right away. This is also one of the reasons why food tastes so much different when cooked on charcoal than on a gas grill. And another win for charcoal in this gas vs charcoal grill battle.

3. It’s Safer (In Some Ways)

While charcoal burns way hotter than gas, it releases almost nothing except heat. All that’s necessary is for you to start your charcoal grill properly, allowing for the charcoal to heat up properly before you start grilling anything. It requires some extra planning, but the result is definitely worth it.

No uncontrolled flare-ups, no open flame.

Learn more about charcoal grilling safety.

4. Charcoal Grills Are Cheaper

Charcoal grills are cheaper than gas grills.

Most of high quality gas grills are significantly more complicated, and cost more simply because of all the moving pieces inside the grill. At the same time, charcoal grills are much cheaper, and at the same price point — of much better quality. To put it simply, you get a better product for your money.

5. Charcoal Grills Are Simpler

Simpler design means simpler use and maintenance.

When the construction is very simple, and there are only a few parts, there are way less chances of anything going out of order. With few parts there are only a few reasons for a grill to break, most of which are avoidable with the right material choice and manufacturing techniques. 

What is there not to love about a grill that’s easy to take care of.

Of course, there are also some negatives to charcoal grilling. It takes longer to get started and the deep cleaning is also messier, but for us the positives clearly outweigh the negatives. For us charcoal is a clear winner in the charcoal vs gas grill contest.

Happy grilling!